Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Zarghun Shahr, Afghanistan, where the sun can unleash its intensity, particularly during the summer months. With a climate classified as BSk (cold semi-arid), the area experiences significant sunlight that poses risks of sunburn and long-term skin health issues, especially when UV levels peak, reaching a blistering 13 around midday. Awareness of UV intensity not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a pivotal role in safeguarding skin health over time. By monitoring daily UV levels, residents can take appropriate precautions to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing health risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
The UV Index (UVI) throughout the day presents a striking pattern of intensity and risk. Starting at 07:00, the index is a mild 3, but by 08:00, it surges to 6, indicating a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 10:00, hitting a blistering 12, and maintains a high level of 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI begins to decline, dropping to 11 at 13:00 and then more notably to 8 at 14:00. By 15:00, it further decreases to 5, signaling a safer window for outdoor activities, before tapering off to 3 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the index falls to a low 1 by 17:00, remaining at this level until it hits 0 by 19:00. For sun safety, the key takeaway is to protect yourself during the peak hours of 10:00 to 14:00 when the UV intensity is most severe.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months typically occurring from March through September, where the index reaches its peak between May and July. In this period, UV indices range from 11 to 14, categorizing them as extreme, with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Conversely, from October to December, the UV levels decrease, moving to very high and high categories, with burn times extending to 15-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the extreme months by adopting protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing to minimize skin damage. It is crucial to stay informed about daily UV forecasts to ensure safe sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazar-e Sharif UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Jalalabad UVI | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Herat UVI | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Kandahar UVI | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Kabul UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Zarghun Shahr | 6 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 |